Suddenly, I was naked, Matthew on top of me, his hips thrusting against mine. I felt his length inside me, a sharp, tearing sensation. A delicious pain, a primal ache that made me moan and grip the sheets.

"Faster!" I cried out, my voice ragged with need.

Then, a wave of heat exploded inside me, lifting me to a dizzying peak. I squeezed my eyes shut, savoring the moment, a memory forever etched in my mind.

"I love you, Lorelei," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. I stared at him, my heart sinking.

I thought in this moment, in this shared intimacy, he would forget Lorelei. But her name still clung to his lips, a constant reminder of her presence in his heart.

***

"Kourtney, what happened last night?" Matthew asked. He couldn't remember the night before, and the missed anniversary date weighed heavily on him.

I lowered my gaze, pretending ignorance. "I-I don't know. I just found myself beside you."

Matthew's eyes widened, a flicker of realization crossing his face. "No way! Tell me nothing happened between us last night?" His voice was sharp, tinged with anger.

"I'm not sure, but I think we did it," I said, biting my lip, trying to appear innocent.